Dog Show Exhibitor Information

• Parking is available on Quigley St.
• The section in front of the clubhouse is reserved for exhibitors will limited mobility.
• Please keep the end of the Quigley St and in front of the main gates clear; this area is available as a drop off zone. Temporary parking is limited to 10 minutes.

• For security, the Quigley St gate is locked outside of show times.
• Access to the grounds will be from 5:00 pm on Friday afternoon.
• The Quigley St gates will close on Friday evening at approximately 8:00 pm, later if there is a club member present.
• Access to the grounds on Saturday and Sunday morning will be from 6:00 am.
• The gates will close on Saturday night approximately one (1) hour after the completion of the show.
• The gates will close on Sunday afternoon approximately two (2) hours after the completion of the show.
• In the interest of safety, vehicles are not permitted in the grounds, refer to the CCKC policy: Vehicle Access (POL-2022-0401)

• Gazebos can be set up in the designated gazebo set up areas within the grounds.
• Please be mindful and respectful of other exhibitors when setting up your gazebo.
• Leave a space of at least three (3) metres between the ring and your gazebo.
• Keep walkways clear of trip hazards such as guy ropes and pegs.
• Generators are not to be used within the grounds.
• Gazebos cannot be set up in front of sheds 10 or 11.
• One (1) only 3 x 3 m gazebo can be set up in front of sheds 1 through to 9, and 12.
• Trolleys and crates can be set up on the marked concrete sections of veranda in front of the roller shutters and Primac building.
• Please stay within the marked areas so that there is easy access to Ring 1 assembly area, canteen and toilets.
• Refer to the CCKC Ring Set Up Plan for details of where gazebos can be set up.

The assembly areas have been made as large as possible.

• Trolleys and crates cannot be left in an assembly area.
• Only enter the assembly area when directed by the show manager.
• The assembly areas are not a walkway to the clubhouse or toilets.
• Do not push trolleys or walk dogs behind the writers shed.
• Access to ring 1 is via the clubhouse veranda.
• Refer to the CCKC Ring Set Up Plan for the location of the assembly areas and rings

The camping area is managed by the Cairns Show Association, phone 07 4042 6699 or email [email protected]

Standard ring set up is shown in the CCKC Ring Set Up Plan.

• Ring 1 is closest to the clubhouse.
• Ring 2 is closest to the shade shelters.
• The assembly area for ring 2 includes shade shelters 13 and 14 with 4 gazebos (3m x 3m) set up in the front of sheds 13 and 14.
• The bunting dividing the rings can be removed for general specials.
• 2 gazebos (3m x 3m) will be set up in the rings for judges' shade.

The set up may change in the event of heavy rain or boggy conditions. Information will be communicated to exhibitors when required.

These are some simple rules of thumb.

1. Take good care of your dog; be their guardian, supporter, and best friend.
2. Be on time.
3. Know your exhibit number, you will get one be one for each dog.
4. Know your dog’s age, and the class in which they are entered.
5. Listen to the Ring Steward’s instructions.
6. If you are showing 2 or more dogs, make sure you have additional handlers and/or strappers to help.
7. Check the schedule and know the order of judging.
8. Find out which breeds will be judged and know which breeds are immediately before yours.
9. Come to the assembly area when your group is called.
10. Remain in the assembly ring when your group is being judged.
11. Do not leave the assembly area until group judging is completed.
12. Be ready to enter the ring when the Ring Steward calls your number.
13. Listen for announcements.
14. Do not comment about how wonderful your dog is or give details of the breeder or kennel name.
15. Don’t walk through other assembly areas while judging is being conducted, it’s often very crowded.

1. Bath and groom your dog. Judges certainly appreciate a clean dog.
2. Write a checklist of what to take and consider packing your car or trailer the night before. The more organised you are, the less stressed you will be on the day.
3. Double check the Schedule to make sure you know where the show is and what time it starts.
4. If you are on Facebook, check the relevant club pages and the Zone 3 page for any updates regarding the show, e.g. parking.

1. A comfortable chair, there can be a lot of waiting.
2. Dog leads – show ring lead and your general use lead.
3. A crate or trolley, if you have one. You need to be able to secure your dog.
4. Grooming equipment and supplies, if needed.
5. Water bowl.
6. Dog treats.
7. Poo bags.
8. Sunscreen.
9. Something to secure your exhibit number, e.g. a clip, arm band or even a safety pin.
10. Shade shelter (e.g. gazebo) if you’re planning to set up on the grassed area.
11. Fan or cool coat for your dog if it is going to be hot.
12. You may wish to bring snacks and drinks for yourself, but the canteen will be open and always has great food available.
13. Patience, perseverance and humility.

1. Shoes - closed in and something that you will be comfortable jogging in. No spiked footwear though.
2. The rules state “to … dress appropriate for the task or activity being performed”. Consider that you will need to jog and bend over (depending on your breed). Think about heat and wet weather.
3. Don’t wear a colour that is the same colour as your dog. You want the judge to be able to see your dog. E.g. if you have a black dog – don’t wear black.
4. Without being too prescriptive, think somewhere between smart casual and semi-formal. E.g. For men it is acceptable to wear dress trousers and an open neck shirt or a suit and tie. Some ladies wear a 2-piece suit, smart dress or skirt, or slacks. But most importantly you need to feel comfortable.
5. Be considerate and respectful of the judges, they will be wearing semi-formal attire most of the day.
6. Hats are acceptable (just make sure it won’t fall off when you’re running around the ring)
7. Avoid wearing sunglasses.
8. Do not wear something either in the assembly area or in the ring which indicates your breeder prefix, ownership or any other information which may indicate details of your dog.
9. You could bring some casual clothes and change into your show outfit before going into the ring.

1. Collars can vary between different dogs and handlers, make sure it is the right size for your dog. There is a variety of types (slip leads, snake chains, martingale) and they can be made from a variety of materials (for example paracord, leather, metal).
2. When choosing a show lead, generally smaller dogs prefer a longer lead while larger dogs prefer a shorter lead. However, the lead length is based on personal preference and consider your own height too.
3. Choose a collar and lead colour that is closest to the colour of your dog's coat so that is inconspicuous, but some people like to have a lead with some pizazz and bling. It’s a matter of personal choice and style.
4. Choose a collar and lead length and thickness most suitable to your dog's weight, coat type, and size. Show leads and collars come in many lengths and thicknesses.
5. There a couple of local vendors that come to dog shows with an array of leads and collars.
6. The best thing is to do a Google search for “Dog Show Leads”
7. Your dog needs to be secured at all times for their safety and that of others.
8. Most people use a crate or trolley. Make sure it is large enough for your dog.
9. Soft crates cannot be used in the assembly area.
10. If you have your dog on lead, please be mindful of other dogs. Make sure you keep it close to your and that it is supervised at all times.

1. Arrive at least 1 hour before the show starts so you have plenty of time to set up, settle in and get your dogs relaxed.
2. Find somewhere you feel comfortable setting up “camp” for the weekend. Check that the area has not been roped off for another exhibitor. If you’re not sure where to go, check with the Show Manager, Secretary or committee member first.
3. Keep walkways clear.
4. Make sure you dog has access to shelter (including shade) and water.
5. Consider other exhibitors and their dogs, you may need to cover your dog’s crate with a sheet or similar if they bark at other dogs.
6. Collect your exhibitor number and catalogue from the Show Secretary. There will typically be an announcement when numbers are ready for collection.
7. Check that your dog is entered in the correct class in the catalogue. If there is an error, you need to let the Show Manager know before the show starts.
8. Check which ring your group is in and where the assembly area is.
9. Toilet your dog regularly and especially before you go into the ring.

View the CCKC Site Plan for information about where you can set up "camp" for the weekend.

1. Ensure you know when your group is being judged, and which dogs being judged immediately before you.
2. If your group is first in the ring, start to head to the assembly area about 10-15 minutes before judging starts. The Show Manager will announce when to start moving into the assembly area.
3. If you are the second or subsequent group, when the group before yours commences group specials you may wish to think about getting yourself ready to move ringside.
4. If you have a coated dog, get it ready at the start of the group before yours.
5. Don’t move into the assembly area until the other group has moved out.

The assembly area can be busy and noisy with lots of people and dogs. 

1. No soft crates are permitted.
2. Your exhibitor number must be worn on either your upper left arm of you’re the left side of your chest and must be clearly visible to the Ring Steward.
3. Let the Ring Steward know this is your very first show. They will ensure you get some clear instructions on what to do and where to go.
4. The Ring Steward will also tell you how your dog is to be presented to the judge: e.g. you may have to stack your dog first, or you may have to do a circle and then stack your dog.
5. Be ready to go into the ring about 2 dogs before yours, e.g. Your dog is #100, so when dog #98 is in the ring you should be ready. When dog #99 is in the ring you should be waiting at the gate ready to enter the ring.
6. Listen to the Ring Steward. When they call your number, acknowledge them and confirm you are here. If you do not respond, the Ring Steward may mark you as absent.
7. Be courteous to other exhibitors and mindful of the limited space. Just take the essentials, you and your dog/s into the assembly area.
8. The assembly area is a smoke and alcohol free zone.
9. Once your Group has finished, move out of the assembly area as quickly as possible. Do not leave trolleys, crates or chairs in the assembly area.
10. You can only enter the ring on the instruction of the Ring Steward.
11. Be respectful of other exhibitors and their dogs. Do not communicate with another exhibitor while they are in the ring or vice versa.
12. Dogs are sometimes absent, so judging may be faster than expected.

1. Ensure your dog is comfortable being handled and touched by another person. A judge will want to touch your dog all over, including checking its teeth and for male dogs, testicles.
2. Praising your dog and treating your dog in the ring are acceptable. Some handlers even carry squeaky toys. Don’t distract other dogs.
3. When interacting with the judge be polite and courteous, but not familiar or casual.
4. Do not comment about how wonderful your dog is or give details of the breeder or kennel name.
5. Most judges will ask your dog’s age. Simply state the age in years and months is fine, e.g. 18 months, 2 ½ years. The age is important in the puppy classes and intermediate classes.
6. Don’t rush, take your time, but don’t be slow.
7. Once you have had your dog judged, move out of the ring as quickly as possible, so the next exhibitor can enter the ring.
8. Have a poo bag in your pocket just in case your dog has to go to the toilet in the ring.

1. The show will commence with Sweepstakes (Baby Puppy, Puppy, Veteran etc.)
2. Groups will be judged in accordance with the published schedule
3. Within each group, dogs are judged in alphabetical order by breed.
4. Within each breed dogs (males) are judged in class order, then bitches in class order, followed by best of breed, and class in breed.
5. Neuter Classes are judged after all best of breed and breed class judging.
6. Once all breeds are judged then onto Group Specials commencing with Best in Group followed by Group Classes finishing with Neuter in Group.
7. Once all groups have been judged, General Specials will commence starting with Best in Show followed by Classes in Show and finishing with Neuter in Show.

1. If you are not sure, check with the Ring Steward.
2. Listen for the steward to call your exhibit number
3. Yes, in the follow circumstances:
   1. For a dog or bitch challenge run off (if 2 or more dogs, or 2 or more bitches) and you have won a dog or bitch class.
   2. For a best of breed run off (if there are both dogs and bitches entered in the breed) and you have won either the dog or bitch challenge.
   3. For a class in breed run off (if the Best and Runner-Up of Breed are not from your class, and if there are both dogs and bitches in the class).
4. If you won Best of Breed you will need to go back into the ring for Best in Grou
5. If you won Runner-Up Best of Breed you will need to be on standby for Reserve in Group
6. If you won your Breed Class then you need to go back for Class in Group. Note: The Best and Reserve in Group winners automatically win their respective class in the group.

Show/Event Manager

The person responsible for running the show. They are available to help with any questions you may have.

Ring Steward

The Ring Steward controls what happens in the ring. They will advise when exhibitors are to go into the ring and announce the results. Ensure you pay close attention to the Ring Steward while in the assembly area.

Table Writer

Responsible for recording of the results and writing certificates. The writer can be quite busy, so please do not disturb them when they are working.

Clubs are always looking for volunteers in these roles and it is a great way to meet new people. Dogs Queensland run free online training courses for these roles.